Catholic Social Services Australia convened its annual Parliamentary Advocacy Summit this week at Parliament House, Canberra, bringing together more than 50 social service sector representatives, faith leaders and parliamentarians to address critical challenges facing Australia.
The October 28-29 summit was officially opened by Ged Kearney, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, setting the tone for a powerful and collaborative event.
Bishop Tim Harris, chair of the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service, formally presented the 2025 Social Justice Statement, Signs of Hope on the Edge: Serving People Living in Homelessness and Mental Ill-Health, to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick.
“The Social Justice Statement calls all Australians to recognise the dignity and humanity of those living with homelessness and mental ill-health. It challenges us to move beyond indifference and become builders of hope within our communities,” Bishop Harris said.
CSSA chair Peter Monaghan said the summit highlighted the power of partnership.
“This summit demonstrated the vital collaboration between the Church, social service providers, and government,” Mr Monaghan said.
“Together, we advance the common good by advocating for policies that uphold human dignity, provide sustainable support, and foster hope for those on society’s margins.”
CSSA chief executive Jerry Nockles said the summit was a “call to action”.
“Presenting the Social Justice Statement to Parliament marks a pivotal step in raising awareness and galvanising sustained commitment to end homelessness and support those living with mental ill-health,” Dr Nockles said.
“These intertwined issues demand a holistic, compassionate, and urgent response.”
The summit featured panel discussions, including “Faith in the Public Square,” where parliamentarians Barnaby Joyce, Senator Deborah O’Neill, Senator Matthew Canavan and David Smith shared insights on authentically living faith in public life.
Another key session, “Real Costs, Real Impacts,” explored the true costs of delivering essential social services and the deepening financial fragility faced by Catholic social service providers nationwide.
The summit also launched the art exhibition Journeys of Belonging, which brings to life the stories of people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.
“Our mission transcends policy; it is about people,” Dr Nockles said.
“This summit has strengthened our resolve to serve with love and humility, advocate boldly, and walk alongside those in need as pilgrims of hope.”
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